Labour MP Thornberry criticises UK government for failing Palestinians amid Gaza ceasefire claims

What happened

Emily Thornberry, chair of the UK’s foreign affairs select committee and senior Labour MP, criticised the UK government in a Guardian report for failing to adequately support the Palestinian people and for not applying sufficient economic pressure on Israel to halt settlement expansion. Thornberry highlighted that the decision to recognise Palestine as a state over eight months ago has not been followed up with effective actions toward a two-state solution.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. Speaking at a Westminster event, Thornberry described the Gaza ceasefire proclaimed by former US President Donald Trump as misleading, pointing to ongoing deaths with over 700 Palestinians reportedly killed since the announcement, and more than 72,000 Palestinians killed overall in the conflict—figures she referenced without independent verification in the source. She also accused Israel of a “staggering” sense of impunity, citing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement about plans to take over 70% of Gaza as reported in the source.

Thornberry urged the UK government to adopt stronger measures in line with the International Court of Justice advisory opinion, including banning goods from illegal settlements, imposing sanctions, and restricting UK corporate involvement. She argued that the current situation in the West Bank—displacement, violence against Palestinians, and settlement expansion—is untenable and requires more than verbal condemnation.

Known from the source

• Emily Thornberry is chair of the UK foreign affairs select committee and a senior Labour MP.
• Thornberry criticised the UK government for insufficient action supporting Palestinians and against Israeli settlements.
• Thornberry referenced over 72,000 Palestinian deaths over time and over 700 deaths in Gaza since Trump’s ceasefire declaration, as reported by the source.
• Netanyahu reportedly announced Israel intends to take over 70% of Gaza.
• Thornberry stated the UK government has not published its formal response to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on the Palestinian territory occupation 682 days after its release, as per the source.

What remains unclear

The Labour MP framed the Gaza conflict as a consequence of ‘too little, too late’ international intervention, warning that the West Bank risks a similar fate without urgent and effective action. Her criticism extended to Donald Trump, accusing him of withdrawing support after declaring a ceasefire, leaving Gazans in dire conditions with ongoing displacement and structural destruction.

What remains unclear: The casualty numbers for Palestinians killed since Trump’s ceasefire and total deaths – verify independent confirmation. Verification of Netanyahu’s statement about taking 70% of Gaza from the source or official statements. Current status and official recognition of the ceasefire – whether it is confirmed, fragile, or disputed. UK government’s formal response to the ICJ advisory opinion – has it been published?.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: The Guardian Gaza. Open the source.